Jurnal Ners
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): JANUARI 2026

Medical Waste Management Innovation Based on Thermal and Chemical Degradation of Polymers

Ilyu 'Ainun Najie' (University of Darussalam Gontor)
Muhammad Dary Adhidrawa Margolang (University of Darussalam Gontor)
Muhammad Diaz Supandi (University Of Darussalam Gontor)
Keysa Najmi Tsaqib (University of Darussalam Gontor)
Niken Sylvia Puspitasari (University of Darussalam Gontor)



Article Info

Publish Date
11 Jan 2026

Abstract

The massive growth of healthcare services, particularly post-COVID-19, has significantly increased volumes of hazardous polymer-based and infectious medical waste. Conventional methods like open incineration pose environmental and health risks due to toxic emissions and incomplete sterilization, highlighting an urgent need for safer, efficient, and sustainable management innovations. This study analyzes the effectiveness of thermal (pyrolysis, gasification) and chemical (depolymerization, Advanced Oxidation Processes/AOPs) degradation technologies through qualitative library research. Data from credible sources (indexed journals, WHO/UNEP reports, government policies; 2018–2025) were descriptively-critically and comparatively analyzed. Results demonstrate that controlled thermal degradation reduces waste volume by 90%, neutralizes pathogens at 400–800°C, and converts waste into valuable products (syngas, bio-oil), while chemical approaches (catalysts, AOPs) decompose polymers at the molecular level and neutralize heavy metals/organic contaminants without dioxin emissions. Integrating both technologies via capacity-based regional clustering and blended finance schemes proved technically-economically feasible. Contributions include: (1) Policy recommendations for the Ministry of Health/Environment to standardize green technologies; (2) Technology-as-a-Service business models for healthcare facilities; (3) Collaborative implementation frameworks (government-private-academia) supporting SDGs and Indonesia’s 2045 Golden Vision through pollution prevention, circular economy, and improved public health outcomes

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ners

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing

Description

Fokus Jurnal Ners meliputi bidang kajian riset keperawatan diantaranya Keperawatan Medikal Bedah, Keperawatan Maternitas, Keperawatan Gawat Darurat, Keperawatan Anak, Keperawatan Lansia, Keperawatan Jiwa, Keperawatan Keluarga, Keperawatan Masyarakat, Manajemen Keperawatan dan Terapi Komplementer ...